Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested the founder of the Harvesters International Christian Centre, Bolaji Idowu. Idowu was aid to have been interrogated by the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja. A source said the cleric who founded the church in 2003, is being investigated for alleged real estate fraud and money laundering. “The Next Level Prayer Conference, Pastor Bolaji Idowu, has been arrested by the police, and he is being grilled in Abuja over real estate fraud and money laundering,” the source said. Another source told the outlet that the “Next-Level Prayer Conference” pastor “is at the FCID Abuja as…

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has dismantled an illegal production site for counterfeit alcoholic beverages on Offin Road, Balogun, Lagos Island. In a statement on Monday, the agency disclosed that the discovery followed a tip-off, which led to a swift investigation and subsequent raid. The illegal factory, disguised as a regular shop, was found to be repurposed for the production and packaging of fake alcoholic drinks. The operation, NAFDAC revealed, posed significant health risks to unsuspecting consumers and violated Nigeria’s food safety regulations. “Following a complaint received, our enforcement team carried out surveillance and…

The House of Representatives has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to suspend the retirement of over 1,000 staff members and the associated N50 billion payoff scheme pending an investigation into the process. The directive, issued during Tuesday’s plenary, followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Kama Nkemkama (Labour Party, Ebonyi). The lawmakers resolved to investigate the mass retirement to assess its criteria, process, and adherence to labour laws and public service guidelines. In his motion, Nkemkama cited media reports suggesting that the planned retirement forms part of a restructuring strategy under the Acting CBN Governor’s leadership.…

Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court, Ikeja, Lagos, has issued an arrest warrant for the former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Ahmed Kuru, over his alleged involvement in property theft and abuse of office. Kuru was expected to appear in court on Monday to face a six-count charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges include stealing property worth N4.9 billion belonging to Arik Air and alleged fraudulent activities during his tenure. Other defendants in the case include the current Managing Director of Arik Air, Captain Roy…

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has issued a stern warning to civil servants on strike in the state, threatening dismissal and immediate replacement for those who fail to resume work within 72 hours. Nwifuru’s ultimatum follows a seven-day warning strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ebonyi State chapter, over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage. Addressing journalists on Monday at the Centenary City Government House in Abakaliki, the governor insisted that the state is not indebted to any worker and has already approved and commenced payment of a N75,000 minimum wage. “If you don’t go to…

Two transporters, Rafiu Abdelmalik and Taofeek Olatunbosun, have accused officers of the Nigerian Customs Service and soldiers stationed at a checkpoint on the Badagry-Seme Expressway of brutality. The victims alleged they were attacked on Sunday, December 1, 2024, after being caught recording a video to update their customers on their location. According to the victims, the officers accused them of being informants supplying journalists with information about smuggling activities along the route. Recounting the ordeal, Olatunbosun said, “We were on our way to Apa and stopped at a fuel station to refuel. “My customer kept asking for my location, so…

The Rivers State Police Command has dismantled a child trafficking syndicate, arresting two female suspects and rescuing four children in Port Harcourt. The command’s spokesperson, DSP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, December 2, 2024. She revealed that one of the suspects, Esther Anthony, from Rumukwachi Community in Port Harcourt, was apprehended after allegedly stealing the children from their home in the Swali Community, Bayelsa State. Another suspect, Purity Silas, was also taken into custody for her involvement in the case. According to the statement, the children, aged between one and thirteen years, were lodged at Alaeze…

The Executive Director of Patriots for Advancement of Peace and Social Development, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has launched a scathing critique against Northern governors opposing President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills, labeling them “lazy” and accusing them of contributing to the region’s insecurity and economic woes. Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Monday, Shinkafi condemned the governors for their lack of initiative to develop internal revenue generation strategies. He argued that their stance against the reform bills was a reflection of poor leadership and a failure to address the pressing issues plaguing the northern region. “These governors,…

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed allegations in an Amnesty International report claiming security operatives killed #EndBadGovernance protesters during the nationwide demonstrations in August. In a statement released on Monday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, described the report as “unfounded, misleading, and inconsistent with incident reports.” He asserted that the police adhered strictly to established rules of engagement throughout the protests, which lasted 10 days and were marked by widespread unrest in various states. Amnesty International’s report, titled ‘Bloody August: Nigerian government’s violent crackdown on #EndBadGovernance protests’, alleged that 24 protesters were killed and over 1,200 others…

The serene community of Ikala in Ijebu-Imusin, Ogun State, is set to witness a spectacular celebration as preparations for the 2024 Woye Ikala Day gather momentum. Slated for December 31, the event promises to blend cultural revival with impactful community development projects, leaving an indelible mark on the town and its citizens. According to a statement by the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Akin Okudero, the citizens, both at home and abroad, are committing themselves to ensuring the success of the landmark event, which has been described as a celebration with a difference. In addition to celebrating the community’s…